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888-313-7916
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Press Releases:
Submit press releases via email to hello@epickidsaz.com.
Events Calendar:
Submit press releases or event listings including all details to hello@epickidsaz. com. The deadline for the April issue is April 1.
Advertising:
Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email at advertising@egpublishing.com.
Where to Find Us:
Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-8 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.
Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.
ON TOUR
Nicholas interviews young “Annie” actress Ellie Pulsifer. Headliners
Eighttimes a week, 12-year-old Ellie
Pulsifer plays the role of Annie in the national Broadway tour. I got to interview the seventh grader about being a star.
The first time Ellie saw the word “callback” was in the email for the “Annie” tour. She scored the lead role after doing multiple shows as a kid.
“I always did competitive dance, then tried a summer camp doing ‘The Greatest Showman.’ I fell in love with acting and went on to be in shows like ‘Shrek,’” says Ellie.
But Ellie says her favorite song of the show is “Hark Knock Life” because she gets to use fun props.
“I sometimes get nervous backstage, but when the lights go down and you can’t see the audience, the nerves go away," she explains.
Ellie is from Florida but is spending many months on the road. She’s on tour for the show traveling by plane and bus, staying in hotels.
“We do mostly night shows, so during the day I school online and submit my assignments,” says Ellie.
The actress loves being on tour and says playing Annie is an honor.
“Annie carries the show, so it comes with responsibility. Everything is worth it because I get to sing ‘Tomorrow’ every night.”
Nicholas interviewed “Annie” actress over Zoom.
So far, Ellie’s favorite tour stop was in Los Angeles because she got to perform at the Dolby Theatre. It was a dream come true for her.
“I’m obsessed with Broadway and hope to eventually perform in New York,” she says.
Before her big break, Ellie was an entrepreneur. When COVID hit, she started a business where she sold mini waffle makers and mixes to pay for her vocal lessons. Now, instead of making waffles, she’s drinking tons of tea before shows to rest her throat and prep for performances.
“Before showtime I stay pretty chill and zen,” she explains.
Ellie’s mom joins her on tour while her siblings and dad stay home. When she’s not singing on stage or doing online school, she can be found crafting and drawing.
And, Ellie says if you have dreams to be a star, never give up.
“If I had given up, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Annie is touring at ASU Gammage March 24 through 26.
Nicholas Bubeck is an Epic Kids monthly columnist and CEO of creationsbynicholas. com. You can follow his adventures on Instagram, @creationsbynicholas, and @mamaandmyboys.
Headliners
GROWING A BUSINESS
‘Kid of the Year’ nominee expands one-of-a-kind concept.
Sixteen-year-old Dylan Capshaw’s work and dedication starting two nonprofits led to his nomination in Nickelodeon and Time magazine’s first ever 'Kid of The Year' competition in 2020, where Capshaw was a finalist. Now, the 11th-grade Rancho Solano student has his sights on the expansion of Stemistry, a flower store and coffee lab concept he started. Epic Kids sat down with the young entrepreneur to learn more.
EK: Where did you get the idea for Stemistry?
DC: Coffee was always a passion of mine. When I turned 13, I finally got an espresso machine for Christmas from my parents and was able to start concocting my creations. During COVID I started an online flower shop, something I did just to try and make some money. I was cutting landscaping and selling it out of my backyard. It was truly a business with a $0 startup cost. After growing the flower shop online for two years, I saved up enough money and decided I wanted to combine this flower shop with my love for coffee in a brick-and-mortar store. I designed absolutely everything and had so much fun creating this company.
EK: Why a coffee shop paired with a flower shop?
DC: I honestly think the smell of coffee and the smell of flowers are the two best things in the world. I also saw so much potential in combining the two as it is a first of its kind concept. I created our “Latte Lab” and mended the line between flowers and coffee, creating all kinds of coffee beverages with floral extracts in them. Plus, customers coming in just for flowers can smell the coffee and enjoy the best of both worlds.
EK: Where did you get the seed money to
start up your business?
DC: I started my online flower shop, GardenMisc, on Etsy with absolutely no money. I cut and sold landscaping in my backyard in unique ways and ordered free mailing supplies through USPS online. I grew it 100% organically on Etsy for about six months, then I invested my earnings into reaching out to floral distributors and expanding my online inventory as my landscaping had been trimmed bare. I saved every penny for the next two years and funded the opening of my store.
EK: What skills did you learn to start your own business?
DC: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you never stop learning. I was in eighth grade when I started my online store, I had absolutely no prior business knowledge. I taught myself everything through mistakes I made and lessons I learned selling online over the next two years. When I decided I was ready to take a risk and expand to brick-andmortar, I thought I knew everything there was to know about business. I quickly learned that sitting behind a computer and boxing orders was extraordinarily different than dealing with customers in person and having a staff working under you. I learned how to conduct job interviews, run payroll, purchase inventory, construct a commercial kitchen, and more.
EK: What has been the response from the public to Stemistry?
DC: I have been incredibly lucky to have such an amazing community. I hosted my grand opening on March 18, 2022, and was joined by the mayor of Scottsdale and roughly 1,000 attendees. Since then, I have grown roots into Scottsdale and have been getting to know all our wonderful customers and neighboring businesses over the
last year. Later this month, on March 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., I will be hosting the grand opening of my second location in Downtown Phoenix. This all thanks to everyone supporting Stemistry and this journey!
EK: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced operating your business?
DC: I run into constant challenges in my day to day, but the biggest challenge I’ve had to face is when I was initially getting started. I was 15 years old, and I had an empty store and a dream. It was up to me to pave the road to where I wanted to be, and I had to figure that out for myself. When I first started interviewing employees, many of them would get up and walk out. They thought it was a joke, or just something that would never come to fruition. Through perseverance (and YouTube) I was able to develop the skills I needed to conduct job interviews and I ended up hiring a fantastic team.
EK: What tips would you give to other kids interested in starting a business?
DC: My biggest piece of advice is it is never too early to start. Every time I think of a good idea, I say to myself “why wait?” What is holding me back? I opened my brick-andmortar store when I was a sophomore in high school and it came with many challenges, but I thank myself every day for not waiting until college, or grad-school, or until I had a job, or was an adult. There’s always a reason to not do something but it’s up to you to do it. We are so lucky to have a world of information at our fingertips. Every resource you could need to start a business is online and free to access.
Whispering Wind Students Compete in Mandarin Chinese Speech Contest
Photo courtesy of Paradise Valley Unified School District
FourParadise Valley Unified School District students were selected to compete in the final round of the Arizona State Mandarin Chinese speech contest that was held at Arizona State University on Feb. 25. The event had approximately 200 student applicants, but only a handful advanced to compete in the final round, including four Whispering
More News from Schools Around the Valley Headliners
Wind Academy Mandarin Chinese immersion students: Meliya Lee (fifth grade), Westford Chen-Lake (first grade), Uma Rosner (third grade), and James Miller (third grade).
Each Whispering Wind student placed in the elementary group portion of the competition. Westward and James placed third; Meliya placed second; and Uma won first place in the elementary school group.
THE PERRY BOYS SOCCER TEAM TAKES STATE
Photo courtesy of Chandler Unified School District
Chandler Unified School District’s Perry High School Boys Soccer team won the 2023 6A State Championship. Hudson Deutsch and Tyler Haren scored goals as the Perry Pumas stunned previously undefeated San Luis, 2-0, Feb. 25 at Dobson High to capture the school's first 6A state soccer championship.
PHOENIX DAY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF WINS THIRD IN NATIONAL ROBOTIC COMPETITION
Photo courtesy of Phoenix Day School for the Deaf
The Phoenix Day School for the Deaf robotic’s team won third place at the 5th National Technology Regional Stem VEX Robotic Competition last month after just five months of working together. This is the PDSD Robotics Team’s first year and coaches Dave Huber and Scott Madsen chalk up the teams’ break-out
performance to harnessing the players’ technical skills including coding, building, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
ASPIRE ACADEMY AT ARREDONDO STUDENTS COMPETE IN NATIONAL HISTORY DAY 2023
Photo courtesy of Tempe Elementary School District
Tempe Elementary School District’s ASPIRE Academy at Arredondo students competed in the National History Day East Valley Regional Competition. Twenty students will be advancing to the Arizona History Day State competition at Arizona State University in April.
The students, led by ASPIRE at Arredondo fourth-grade teacher Ellen Miller, attended the East Valley Regional Competition at Willis Junior High School last month.
National History Day is a year-long education program for fourth through 12th graders
sponsored by the Arizona State Historical Society. Each year, National History Day frames students’ research within a historical theme. The theme is chosen for broad application to world, national, or state history, and its relevance to ancient history or to the more recent past.
The 2022-2023 theme is Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas. History Day students share their work by creating a project, choosing from one of five different formats: exhibit, paper, performance, website, or documentary.
“The Galactic Decision: We Choose to Go to the Moon”––Braylon Graves, August Gilbert, and Sterling Lussier.
Uma Rosner
GIVEAWAY COOL CONTEST
Win tickets to FunBox!
to bounce? FunBox, the world’s largest bounce park, is now open in Glendale through Sun., May 21. Located at Arrowhead Towne Center, 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, FunBox is 25,000 square feet of continuous and immersive jumping zones connecting 10 different play areas for children, families, and adults.
FunBox includes a Mountain Challenge, Battle Beam, Gumball Gallop, Obstacle Course, Ninja Wall, 23-foot slide, and Chill Zone. With vibrant colors and designs, FunBox is also an “Instagramable” experience for influencers and photographers to capture the fun on camera.
HOW TO WIN
Send hello@epickidsaz.com an email with FUNBOX in the subject line. Entries received by 5 p.m., Fri., March 24 will be entered to win.
Congratulations to recent Epic Kids winners Courtney Townsend and Adrienne Hodges! Courtney won four tickets to Jurassic Quest, while Adrienne won four tickets to see “Annie” at ASU Gammage.
Adrienne Hodges and family.
Courtney Townsend and family.
EPIC KIDS PRESENTS
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
CHAPEL ROCK
At Chapel Rock there is something for kids of every age from kindergarten to 12th grade and families too! Summer camp is full of adventure, old and new friends, games, creativity, awesome counselors, and God’s unconditional love! Campers can expect their days to be full of high energy activities, lots of nature, music, and crafts along with daily worship and faith formation. Each day campers will dwell in faith through prayer, fellowship, storytelling, games and music - all while exploring the call that God has for us and rejoicing in who God has made us to be. Chapel Rock Summer Camp is a faith-based sleepaway camp affiliated with The Episcopal Church.
Since 1929, campers from around the world have been coming to the temperate high desert of Arizona to enjoy an unforgettable experiences. Horsemanship Camp runs July 6 to 12. Here your campers will saddle up and ride their summer away. Geared towards campers who have some riding experience and can comfortably walk, trot, and canter/lope. Fine Arts Camp runs July 6 to 12. Campers enjoy learning printmaking, jewelry making, metalsmithing, ceramics, and more. Caravan Camp – Hawaii Edition runs July 14 to 23. Maui, Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful rain forests and awe-inspiring parks, your camper will get a chance to experience it all!
Ages 3-5 and 6-9: Come and explore music in this half day camp that has instruction, games, crafts, and fun!
Ages 7-10: Learn more in depth about music while having an allday adventure with new friends while learning, playing music and games, creating crafts, and having a great time.
Ages 9-13: Come explore exciting topics in these full day, super cool, summer intensive workshops where students will have the opportunity to learn and play. Ages 14-18: Learn about different music styles, genres, technique, and theory in these summer intensives designed to help high school musicians become better.
TYPE & AGES: Day camp, ages 3-18
WHERE: 1316 E Cheery Lynn Rd., Phoenix CONTACT: 602-353-9900, pcmrocks.org/summer-programs
DISCOVER SUMMER AT GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Your child will have the opportunity to experience nine weeks of excitement through crafts, field trips and themed activities. Each week children will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities that will help them create memories to last a lifetime.
Week 1: Camp Gecko’s Got Talent (May 31June 3)
Week 2: Amazing Animals (June 6-10)
Week 3: Mystery Week (June 13-17)
Week 4: The Power of Steam (June 20-24)
Week 5: When I Grow Up (June 27-July 1)
Week 6: Go Green (July 5-8)
Week 7: Community Service (July 11-15)
Week 8: Kids Baking Challenge (July 18-22
Week 9: Summer Olympics (July 25-29)
TYPE & AGES: Day camp, ages 6-12
WHERE: GateWay Community College, 108. N. 40th St., Phoenix CONTACT: 602-286-8130, gatewaycc.edu/degrees-certificates/discoversummer-camp
CAMP NOT-A-WHEEZE
In a traditional camp setting asthma education is integrated with recreational camp activities. This empowers children to understand and avoid their asthma triggers, recognize warning signals of an oncoming episode, properly use their medications, and exercise control over their disease. Serving 7 to 14-yearold children with moderate to severe asthma, camp activities include horseback riding, adventure course, lake day, music, arts, crafts, exploring the outdoors, and more! Historically, a majority of these campers would not be accepted into other camps due to the constant monitoring and medication requirements that are typically integral to asthma management. Medical volunteers can be found throughout camp (in cabins with kids, accompanying kids to activities, teaching asthma education, and staffing the infirmary). These volunteers MUST be licensed medical professionals in order to attend. The camp's skilled medical direction and physician team are from Phoenix Children’s Hospital & Banner Health (Cardon Children’s Medical Center) and serve in the infirmary as the camp physicians.
Young Vincents summer art classes are a blast! They run May through August in one-week sessions and offer kids an opportunity for intensive study using a variety of mediums. Classes are designed to develop your child’s skill in watercolor, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, and acrylic painting. Campers create original artwork inspired by a dynamic thematic curriculum receiving nurturing instruction from teaching artists. Building kid’s confidence and having a great time doing it…that’s the goal! Kids are always encouraged to use their imagination and develop their own interpretation of the camp's themes, while gaining the tools needed to share and express their ideas. Whether a beginner or an advanced student, weekly thematic sessions offer the opportunity for all levels to advance through multiple sessions or one.
With a blend of adventure, experiential learning and fun, Gateway’s Warrior STEAM Camp provides a supportive and challenging experience for incoming sixth to 12th grade kids, who may have struggled in more traditional camp settings. The four week camp is divided into one week sessions, which are sequenced to build on each other. Gateway is an incredibly supportive and comfortable community where students build transformative relationships. These relationships are at the core of the camp, helping students develop a courageous sense of self. During the Warrior Camp, those core relationships are cemented by the joy of shared experiences, which will enable students to tackle challenges and learn and grow, no matter where life takes them!
TYPE & AGES: Day camp, ages 12-19
WHERE: 3939 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix CONTACT: 480-998-1071, gatewayacademy.us
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE SUMMER CAMP
The magic of musical theatre comes to life during VYT's summer camps! Campers experience what it takes to create a full musical production from audition to performance, alongside professional teaching artists who will provide foundational training in acting, singing, and dance. This fun and interactive program is perfect for both seasoned performers and those looking for a place to start. Plus, all campers from each session will get to showcase their stage presence, confidence, and creativity in a special final showcase performance for family and friends! A four-week session is available for campers 7+, and a two-week and oneweek session is available for ages 5+. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Extended care available.
TYPE & AGES: Day camp, ages 5-17
WHERE: 525 N. First St., Phoenix CONTACT: 602-253-8188 x302, vyt.com
FIT-N-FUN
FIT-N-FUN camps promote health and fitness while having a blast. Each week, children ages 3 to 12 will enjoy gymnastics, trampoline, group challenge activities, obstacle courses, team sports, relay races, inflatables and much, much more! The Xtreme Gymnastics staff is high energy, USA Gymnastics Safety Certified, with complete background checks. Their facility is state of the art and fully air conditioned.
TYPE & AGES: Day camp, ages 3-12
WHERE: 14000 N. Hayden Rd. #102 Scottsdale
CONTACT: 480-596-3543, xtremegymnastics.com
Cover story A Difference for All Kids: THE GIFTED ACADEMY AT LAS BRISAS
By Shay Moser and Sondra Barr
Every morning, students from across Deer Valley Unified School District neighborhoods head to one of 41 schools that offer a range of gifted education services. But children from one of the district’s schools get something slightly different — an entire continuum of gifted services beginning in prekindergarten.
The Gifted Academy at Las Brisas offers the district's only Gifted Pre-K Academy. Also, regardless of gifted identification, gifted-trained Las Brisas educators teach all students gifted instructional strategies daily, from pre-K through sixth grade. The gifted instructional strategies focus on choice and exploration and are highly differentiated based on readiness, content, and learning outcome.
To qualify for The DVUSD Gifted Pre-K Academy, parents reach out to DVUSD’s Gifted Department to schedule gifted testing with a licensed psychologist who
administers the KABC-II NU assessment. Children must score an 88% or higher to qualify for the program.
“Many parents with a gifted prekindergarten learner find it awkward and challenging to locate a program that will meet their child's academic needs, particularly when they already know how to read because so much of early childhood is preparing to read,” says Las Brisas Elementary School Principal Mara Kurasch. “As a mom of gifted kids, I always think about what my children needed when they were young."
“Gifted instructional strategies benefit most learners,” Mara continues. “Las Brisas brings those instructional practices into classrooms for all students to benefit.”
Mara’s experience was the catalyst behind the Gifted Pre-K Academy at Las Brisas. “As an educator, it opened my eyes to some shifts that needed to occur,” she says.
BRIGHT BEGINNINGS AND BEYOND The Gifted Academy at Las Brisas starts with the Bright Beginnings program, servicing gifted-identified students from prekindergarten through second grade. This provides Deer Valley’s youngest students a solid and enriching beginning for their learning journey.
“It is so much fun to work with these gifted learners,” says Christine Uhlenhop, a teacher in the gifted prekindergarten program. “They have a zest for learning and that has helped them to flourish in this environment.”
“We have several students who did not know how to hold a pencil correctly because they had never been in a prekindergarten program before. They were so excited to learn how to hold a pencil correctly and then learn how to write their letters and names. The students then took this knowledge into our Capit program (our reading program on the iPad) that allows them to move
along each lesson and levels at their own speed. The program teaches them the sounds of the letters in the alphabet in a fun manner. It also teaches them how to write their letters correctly on the iPad by dipping their fingers into the paint on the screen and painting it themselves. We have students who could not write their names in the beginning that can now write all their letters, their names, and read very nicely,” she says.
solids and liquids through OOBLECK and density with dancing raisins, and many other fun activities allows the students to understand they are scientists,” says Christine.
Students are re-assessed at the end of second grade to see what gifted programming they qualify for in third grade and above.
SIGNS THAT A PARENT MAY NOTICE IN A GIFTED LEARNER
• Asks questions
“We use Eureka Math, which is what these students use in the kindergarten classroom. It is a very hands-on curriculum with many manipulatives. What they are learning here will bridge nicely into their gifted kindergarten classroom,” says Christine, who does lots of gifted training to work with these students. Christine was funded for a Donors Choose grant that allowed her to purchase hundreds of dollars’ worth of engineering kits. These kits allow students to work together to build ramps, bridges, forts, marble run activities, work with gears, and coasters. These kits have helped the students work together to use their critical thinking skills to build the beginning through advanced levels of engineering tasks.
• Is highly curious
• Beyond the group
• Draws inferences
• Enjoys learning
• Creates a new design
• Is keenly observant
Gifted programs in third grade and above may include Gifted Cluster Grouping, SAGE Content Placement, Spark Enrichment, Walk-Up to Math, or Renaissance Highly Gifted and Global Studies placement.
“We know gifted students have a vast array of different needs, and often they need a specialized program with a structure that also gives them opportunities to learn independently and nurtures their social skills,” Mara says.
program offers an immersive project and problem-based environment focusing on global studies and languages.
“We use clustering and selfcontained programming for highly gifted students because we know the value of community,” Mara says. “It’s important that all students, even those in our highly gifted academy, are with their general education peers for specials, lunch, and recess because social interaction is crucial.”
All students can access STEAM, PE, music, and art through their specialareas rotation.
“I have a love for hands-on science and inquiry learning so these 4 and 5 year olds do a tremendous amount of hypothesizing, testing their hypothesis, and recording their data. We have enjoyed hatching butterflies and ladybugs with many more fun science adventures to come. Weekly science experiments such as learning about
Qualifying third through sixthgrade students attend the district’s Renaissance Highly Gifted and Global Studies Program at Las Brisas and continue to Hillcrest Middle School, which is expanding for seventh and eighth grades. This self-contained
“We are child-centered. We are flexible. We understand. We know that kids need something different. And we welcome families to come and check us out,” says Mara. “We hope parents sign up for gifted tours to see if Las Brisas is where their child can flourish. Many students here love coming to school. Everybody is kind, and there is a strong sense of community. Las Brisas is a hidden gem, and it has a warm, welcoming environment where we do things a little bit differently because we know that our students need something different.”
On Wed., April 5, Las Brisas will host a Gifted Preview Night from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more and register online, visit dvusd.org/ lasbrisas.
Career Day
PLANETARY GEOLOGIST
Lauren Edgar
Age: 37
Lauren Edgar operates Mars rovers, trains astronauts, and much more!
here on Earth to understand what we’re seeing on other planets. My research is mostly focused on Mars, Earth, and the Moon, and using the rock record to infer past conditions on these planets. What type of training do you need to do your job?
Profession: Planetary Geologist
What do you do for a living?
I work for the USGS Geological Survey. My work involves operating Mars rovers, training astronauts, and doing fieldwork
Many researchers in our field have an undergraduate degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or math), followed by graduate school. My own path involved a bachelor’s degree in earth sciences modified with engineering, followed by a masters and PhD in geology.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love being involved in NASA missions and working together with a big team of scientists and engineers to help explore our solar system. I love the outdoors, so I also really enjoy the time that I get to spend doing fieldwork and piecing together the history preserved in rocks and sediment.
Growing up, I was obsessed with space and wanted to be an astronaut. So it’s really fun to be involved in space exploration and work with astronauts! What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career? There are many ways to get involved in this field, and many different types of research (fieldwork, laboratory analyses, modeling, remote sensing, etc.). We need a diversity of thought and experiences, so I would encourage someone to explore multiple classes, get involved in research projects, ask questions, and hopefully find something that you love to do that can contribute to this field of exploration.
One fun fact NOT about your job?
I grew up doing gymnastics, and I still do handstands everywhere I go. If you send me to Mars, I’ll do one there!
Brain Play Sari on SCIENCE
WE’VE LOST OUR MARBLES ACTIVITY FOCUSES ON PHYSICS.
This activity will have you rolling! In this experiment, you’ll find that physics isn’t just for adults or older kids. With just a few simple items, students as young as preschoolers can learn and experiment with concepts like movement, momentum, force, energy, and speed to name a few. Starting with things you likely have around the house, this activity will help you understand the basics of more complicated scientific theories while playing with some of your favorite toys in the process.
You will need:
• Toilet paper roll
• Cardboard rectangles
• Different kinds of balls including:
• Marbles
• A bouncy ball
• A ping pong ball
• A golf ball
Try this at home!
1. Bring out the materials (tubes, rectangles, and various balls) and ask yourself “How can we use these to make the ball roll?”
2. Try putting the tubes together and talking about what happens when your child rolls the marbles through the materials.
3. Ask questions: What do you want to do with the materials? Why does the ball roll? What can you do to make the ball roll faster or slower? Does the ball roll faster or slower if its larger or heavier?
4. What other materials might be helpful for making a ball roll? If you set it on a book, or a table, does it roll differently than if it’s on carpet? What if you’re outside on grass?
5. Observe each time you change the conditions and note how it changes the speed of the ball.
Have fun and keep testing as often and in as many locations as you’d like! Are you looking for more ways to learn about science? Visit Arizona Science Center! We have four levels of hands-on science exhibits and demonstrations unlike anywhere else in the state. Be sure to explore "Get Charged Up" on level two to explore the science of physics! For more information, please visit azscience.org.
Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center, and mom to daughter Carson (7). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SariOnScience.
do we know that the ocean is friendly?
What do you call a dog magician?
Otters often “hold hands” while sleeping, so they don’t float away from each other and to stay warm.
Human teeth are just as strong as shark teeth, although not as sharp. An infinity sign is called a “lemniscate.” What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A brain can’t feel pain because there are no nociceptors located in brain tissue. This is why it’s possible for neurosurgeons to operate on a brain without any anesthesia. There's a word for the plastic coating at the end of a shoelace. It's called an "aglet," and comes from the French word for "needle" (aguillette).
Only female mosquitoes bite people and animals because they need a blood meal so they can produce eggs. Male mosquitoes only drink the juices of plants!
1. A labracadabrador. 2. It waves. 3. A palm tree.
BOOK CLUB Brain Play
GALLANT
AUTHOR: V.E. Schwab
GENRE: Young Adult Fantasy
AGES: 10+
RATING: AAAAA
SYNOPSIS: Everything casts a shadow. Even the world we live in. And as with every shadow, there is a place where it must touch. A seam, where the shadow meets its source.
Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home—to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home, it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.
Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.
Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK: “Free–a small word for such a magnificent thing. I don't know what it feels like, but I want to find out.”
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK IS: The writing style! V.E. Schwab has a way of making even regular activities feels like there is a little bit of magic in them. I felt fully immersed in the world of the entire book and could not put it down!
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK IS: Olivia! She is a very relatable character in that she longs for a world with magic. I loved how she became more comfortable being herself throughout the story. FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: “Only A Monster” by Vanessa Len, “Babel” by R.F. Kuang, and “A Deadly Education” by Naomi Novik
Avery, 17, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.
THREE MORE BOOKS TO TRY
GRUMPY MONKEY
AUTHOR: Suzanne Lang
AGES: 5 - 10
SYNOPSIS: Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it. How can he be in a bad mood when it's such a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a bit of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?
WOMEN WHO DARED: 52 STORIES OF FEARLESS DAREDEVILS, ADVENTURERS, AND REBELS
AUTHOR: Linda Skeers AGES: 9 - 12
SYNOPSIS: Women have been doing amazing, daring, and dangerous things for years, but they're rarely mentioned in our history books as adventurers, daredevils, or rebels. This new compilation of brief biographies features women throughout history who have risked their lives for adventure―many of whom you may not know, but all of whom you'll want to know.
LIFE SKILLS FOR KIDS
AUTHOR: Karen Harris
AGES: 8 – 11
SYNOPSIS: With the help of this guide, kids can learn foundation skills such as the basics in cooking, handling emergencies, communication skills, setting goals, running appliances, and so much more! Complete with cute illustrations heading each chapter, this book is sure to help kids master necessary life skills!
PAGEpuzzle Brain Play
FIND 15 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO PICTURES.
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GETAWAYS Knott’s Berry Farm Fun grown local at California’s original theme park.
By Gretchen Pahia
Photos courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm
Summer vacation is just around the corner. It’s a great reason to get out of town for some quality family time.
A fun spot that is just a quick flight or drive away is Southern California’s Knott’s Berry Farm. Over the next few months, there will be several events taking place at the park for people of all ages to enjoy.
Starting this month, the annual Boysenberry Festival will be held until April 16. The event is an annual food and wine festival that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the boysenberry – the fruit that basically started it all. There will be several one-of-a-kind specialty dishes, desserts, and drinks. A variety of local crafters, live music, musical stage shows, and fun activities will be going on too!
The summertime activities at Knott’s kick off in May and end in early September. Not only will Knott’s Soak City Waterpark be open, there’s also fun to be had at the regular theme park.
During daytime hours, guests can take part in the immersive adventures of “Ghost Town Alive,” which gives visitors a chance to live in the western days through character interaction and storytelling. The great part is that each day a different story unfolds throughout Ghost Town, and you can visit multiple times and have different experiences.
This summer, the park is also unveiling an updated version of their roller coaster, Montezooma’s Revenge. This flywheel-
launched shuttle coaster was the first of its kind and will be upgraded with exciting changes, while keeping the ride’s unique charm that guests have loved for generations. MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress coaster is in the newly designed Fiesta Village area, which offers new décor and food locations.
Once the sun sets, the park kicks off Knott’s Summer Nights with fresh live music shows, food, games, and other festivities. Photo opportunities, interactive experiences, and a family-friendly boardwalk with midway games abound. Knott’s Berry Farm also just renovated their on-property hotel, reimaging rooms and transforming the hotel. There are more than 300 guest rooms, an inviting lobby, onsite dining, and more. The hotel is currently taking reservations – rates and availability will vary depending on your stay dates.
For more information on the hotel, visit knotts.com/knotts-berry-farm-hotel. For information on park tickets, upcoming dates, and special events, check out the park website at knotts.com.
March 2023 What's Happening
MERMAID MAGIC
When: March 15 - 19
Where: OdySea Aquarium, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
What: The ever-popular Mermaid Magic is back for a limited time with FIN-tastic appearances by beautiful, live Mermaids. Guests of all ages can meet and interact with these enchanting sea-dwelling beauties, take photos, and watch as they swim among sharks, rays, sea turtles, and more.
Info: odyseaaquarium.com
CHANDLER OSTRICH FESTIVAL
When: March 16 - 19
Where: Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler
What: The Ostrich Festival features live ostriches, national and local entertainment, thrilling stage shows, over 50 exhilarating midway rides and games, classic festival food, interactive activities for all ages, meet and greets with your favorite mascots, ostrich-themed
educational activities, exciting attractions, upscale arts and crafts, and much more. This year's performers include Train and more.
Info: ostrichfestival.com
CIRCUS AMERICANA
When: March 16 – April 2
Where: Bell Bank Park, 6321 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa
What: Travel to a vintage extravaganza of stunning acrobatic feats, innovative acts, and comedic flair, combined with stateof-the-art technology. Create memories that will last a lifetime. Gasp in awe as pirates soar across the stage, music box dolls come to life, and vampires contort in impossible positions in this all-human, family-friendly blend of illusion and spectacle that is sure to enchant your guests.
Info: bellbankpark.com/events/circusamericana
SUPER SPRING FESTIVAL
When: March 18
Where: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
What: Don’t miss the Annual Family Fun AZ Super Spring Fest where you can meet your favorite superheroes, fly on a zipline, enjoy bounce houses and slides, face painting, live entertainment, action-packed performances, raffle prizes
and giveaways, and local vendors for shopping! This is a free outdoor event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Info: azboardwalk.com
DESTINATION ARIZONA CARIBFEST
When: March 19
Where: Heritage Square, 113 N. 6th St., Phoenix
What: The Annual Destination Arizona CaribFest feature a variety of performances with educational pieces that are enjoyable for your family, with a variety of cultural groups, including a steel pan group, performers, Indian Dancers, the Fushicho Daiko Dojo group, and DJs. Info: dacarnival.com
THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT PUPPET SHOW
When: March 23 – April 9
Where: Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Lantham St., Phoenix
What: Based on Beatrix Potter's classic story about a little rabbit that gets into Mr. McGregor's garden. Lively hand puppet Rabbits and a large rod puppet Farmer tell this tale entirely to music with no dialogue. Info: azpuppets.org
PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL KIDS DAY
When: March 25
Where: Harkins 101, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix
What: On the first Saturday of the film festival, March 25, starting at 10 a.m., the festival has Kids Day, which is a free event and is a great way for kids of all ages to come out and experience the festival by participating in film-related activities including stop motion animation, green screen photo booth, storyboard workshop, story time, a Valley Youth Theater acting station, makeup/face painting station, and photos on the red carpet. Also, families can see a free showing of a family-friendly film that afternoon at the Harkins Scottsdale 101. Info: phoenixfilmfestival.com
18TH ANNUAL ARIZONA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
When: March 25 & 26
Where: Tempe Town Lake–North Shore, 550 E. Tempe Town Lake, Tempe
What: Join the Arizona Dragon Boat Association for two days of exciting dragon boat competition with teams from all over the United States and beyond. Dragon Boat Racing is a unique water sports activity that is sure to provide everyone an exciting experience.
Info: azdba.org/festival-2023
On Deck: April
BUNNY BALLOON BLAST
When: April 7 & 8
Where: Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
What: Families are invited to experience hot air balloons, free candy for the kids, a free kids zone with tons of inflatables and rides, and tethered balloon rides.
Info: saltriverfields.com/bunnyballoonblast
AVONDALE KIDFEST
When: April 8
Where: Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Rd., Avondale
What: Games and activities for all ages await at the Avondale Kid Fest. There will be food trucks, live entertainment, character visits, crafts, and it’s the Splash Pad opening weekend.
*Superhero 5K begins at 9 AM. Registration is required. Arrive early to check in and receive a t-shirt. Put on the Cape: A Foundation for Hope teams up to support the Southwest Family Advocacy Center. Visit www.putonthecape.org/ upcoming-events to register or scan QR code.
This FREE outdoor event promises some high- ying fun and learning for the entire family in celebration of the Week of the Young Child. #AvondaleEvents |
EPIC KIDS Reporters Program
Introducing the Epic Kids Reporters Program, where aspiring young journalists can write for Epic Kids.
Throughout the school year, Epic Kids Reporters cover issues and topics that matter most to them and their peers, including breaking news, current events, sports, entertainment, school clubs, and kid profiles. Their stories will appear in both print and digital editions of Epic Kids.
The resulting news clips are invaluable in growing and developing a portfolio of published work that can help students get scholarships and future educational opportunities.
To be considered for this FREE program, students should be between the ages of 8-14 and have a parent’s approval.
